Be Angry and Do Not Sin

Be Angry and Do Not Sin


“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry," (Ephesians 4:26). The NKJV says “Be angry, and do not sin”.

Anger is one of those emotions that has a place, but is often out of control.

There was times Jesus was angry at the times. Once when the synagogue leaders were questioning Him about healing a man on Sabbath, Jesus “ looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts.” (Mark 3:5) And twice Jesus drove money changers from the Temple. I think to do this He would have shown some anger. (Matthew 21:12 and John 2:15)

However, unchecked anger creates all sorts of problems: emotional, physical, social, and ... as this verse indicates ... spiritual problems as well “for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27)

Anger can destroy a friendship or a marriage. It can lead to verbally abusive and bullying behavior (Can we say “Facebook”?). And, when unrestrained, anger can manifest itself in physical violence.

But the internal effects of uncontrolled anger are just as dangerous: muscle tension, breathing issues, migraine headaches, stomach problems, loss of sleep, and even heart attack and stroke.

Learning where anger comes from and how to handle it appropriately is critical to becoming a human being who lives by faith.

So ... what is anger?

Anger is an emotion that arises principally from a sense of injustice or unmet expectations.

In other words, we have certain expectations for the behavior of others. When those expectations aren't met, we become angry.

At its core, anger is part of our fight-or-flight response mechanism that helps us survive. But due to the habits of modern life, anger more often is a reaction to petty disagreements rather than survival needs.

The cashier at Wal-Mart has trouble ringing up your items ... "What's she trying to do ... sabotage my whole day!" No, she just made a mistake ... or is incompetent, or distracted. But we act like she just tried to make us mad.

Or that dumb-dumb at the office. Always thinks he's so funny. Made another joke about my beat up old car.

Yeah, okay. Maybe he's stupid. But the reality is he is probably suffering from a neglected childhood and is just trying to compensate. He needs a friend. That doesn't mean it has to be you, or that you will ever win him over to more civil, social behavior.

You can, however, be in control of your own reaction.

Here's the lesson ... you are in charge of your emotions. When you react with anger to the person behind you laying on their horn ... you choose to slam the brakes ... or you choose to pull over and let him by.

It's amazing how your outlook on life will change if you own up to your emotional responsibility.

One more thing. If you live in an environment that is constantly boiling with anger ... you are ripe pickin's for Satan's apple barrel. As Peter writes, we have to “Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

A pastor wrote: I get tons of e-mail. I cannot possibly answer it all. So I prioritize my mail.

But what almost always gets my attention is the many e-mails I get ... from Christians ... or folks who claim to be Christ-like ... but who ... by their words ... might as well be plunging a knife into my gut over and over.

I received an e-mail yesterday from a person who was upset with something I wrote. It was obvious he was irritated.

I didn't try to argue with him ... didn't try to return insults or barbs. My response ...

"Thank you for sharing your opinion."

The e-mail which followed was one of the worst e-mails I have ever received ... and that from a brother in Christ.

My thoughts ... this poor fellow lives 24/7 in ANGERVILLE .

What a fine example of a Christian. NOT!!!

Living with a constant, explosive habitual pattern of uncontrolled anger ... toward family, toward neighbors, toward the boss, toward social injustice, toward Democrats, toward Republicans, toward the dog, or toward God ...

... hey, it's okay to be upset, to express your opinion ... yes, and sometimes in a forceful or pointed way, argue a point.

But don't live there. It just isn't worth it. “Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:7)

Three Tips To Deal With Anger

If you struggle with anger ... here are three quick tips to avoid the sin which so easily besets us.

1. Sit down! If you can. The brain actually interprets this as an indicator of safety. This can help you get control as the adrenaline, which fuels anger, is minimized. (Hint: don't sit down at the computer. Go to a location in which you will be disconnected from the source of anger. Outside in nature is good.)

2. Never go to sleep angry. That's God's plan, as recorded by Paul to the Ephesians. A recent study agrees with God (imagine that). The researchers found that sleep tends to reinforce the negative emotions entertained immediately prior to dozing off. Resolve the anger productively before going to bed.

3. Meditate.  Not like a guru on a mountain top. Think deeply about why you are angry. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, you will find anger can be eliminated almost immediately in one of two ways.

First ... realize that your anger may be the result of your own expectations of others not being met. What are the odds you can do anything at all about others? Slim to none. So rearrange your expectations and let it go. Focus on your attitude, not the behavior and attitude of others, whom you cannot control.

Second ... realize that even when there is a great injustice or threat to your existence ... odds are there is nothing you can do about it. In cases of immediate danger, of course, take reasonable actions to protect yourself. Otherwise ... let it go and move on. Trust in God ... that he ... as the great judge of the universe ... will set everything right in his own time. As Paul writes to the Romans: Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. (Romans 12:19)

If there is something that you can do to affect a change in circumstances, figure out productive ways to put your energy to work ... let anger fuel positive change, not conflict.

HOW TO HANDLE ANGER FROM OTHERS

Finally, be aware that anger from others is often a trigger point for our own anger. We get defensive and respond in kind almost instantly ... out of habit.

Develop a new habit of: (1) ignoring anger-laced behavior in others whenever possible, (2) respond with a cool, calm, and controlled demeanor whenever possible, and (3) focus on your highest and most productive activities and attitudes ... don't live in ANGERVILLE where time, health, and energy is wasted on unproductive anger.

Conflict and anger are not always unavoidable and not always our fault. But choosing the right response is possible and THAT is our responsibility. Reacting in an un-Christian manner is our fault!

Good final scripture to close with: People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. (Proverbs 14:29)